Rangers’ James Tavernier determined career won’t go to the dogs

Tavernier has started his own business breeding bulldogsANDREW MILLIGAN/PA

Gone are the days of footballers co-owning a pub to supplement modest wages. This is the era of stars putting their name to designer fashion labels, or perhaps adding a luxury property portfolio to boost unimaginable wealth. But James Tavernier, the Rangers defender, would rather add some bite to his Ibrox career — by starting a company that breeds bulldogs.

Tavernier was this week rewarded for his fine form by signing a new contract until 2021. Last week, he captained Rangers for the first time in a Scottish Cup win at Ayr United.

But it’s an unusual sideline, by footballing standards, that marks out the 26-year-old Bradford-born defender. His company, along with friend Jake Chapman, aim to breed and sell the trendy dogs which can…

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